Wrestling: Hatton takes judo skills to the wrestling mat

BH-BL senior competes at his first state tournament

Jack Hatton knows what it’s like to compete at the highest level of sports.

Even though the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School senior is going to his first state wrestling tournament this weekend in Albany, he’s had experience at national and international events while competing for the Jason Morris Judo Center team.

“I think there is less pressure for me because I’ve already seen that level and beyond,” said Hatton.

Hatton said his judo training helped him win his first Section II Division I title Feb. 10 in Queensbury.

“I don’t really use wrestling (techniques),” said Hatton. “I use judo because it seems to work well against other wrestlers.”

“He has a different style than any of our other guys,” said BH-BL coach Steve Jones. “He has judo skills and wrestling skills, and he’s very good at bringing his judo skills to the mat.”

Hatton’s first opponent Friday at the Times Union Center is Chenango Forks’ Isaiah Zimmer.